New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

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Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

Novak's site shows two different parts no. for the LS swap engine mounts in a FSJ. The split is 60s and 70s FSJ use no. MMX-WG3 mounts and 1980-91 use MMSJ-G3. When ordered from BJ's it was specific for the 1977 year ... only thing is based on the photo the ones I have look like the later model year models. Maybe NOVAK redesigned the earlier model?? Will have to chase down with Ryan at BJ's. Thanks
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

GaJeep94YJ
Posts: 313
Joined: Fri Dec 18, 2015 12:00 pm

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by GaJeep94YJ »

It was in a 79 Cherokee chief, no lift.

The bolt in mounts, where you weld the top. They went in perfectly, but pushes the engine a good inch to the passenger side, too close to the heater box (would have to be modified) and almost touching the pumpkin.

I got very upset with novak.

If i were to do it again I would get the bolt in mounts that sit into of the factory perches fit $100.

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Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

Okay, thanks. I read your exchanges with Dustin and saw your photos re the heater box. I'm waiting on feedback from BJ's as mine are now welded in good.

My assumption on Novak shifting the LS engine a bit to the passenger side was to accommodate various GM trans and TC set up so as not to bump the coffin tank and maybe to reduce some of the angles to the rear pumpkin on the Dana 44 (at least on FSJ with offset rears). But I can see the issue you had with your heater box.

On good news for me, at least, is that I'm not using the heater box and will be smoothing the firewall much like Iroc313 did on his 80 Wag/LS3.

I saw your posts re interest in the BDS 4"? How close was you pan at OEM height? Presume your LM7 had a truck pan? I have the 4" BDS and will be using a truck pan as well. Point is with the axle bump stump, this combo could be the clearance you were looking for?

BTW ... how did you solve your issue? Did you keep same mount?
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

* bump stop ... too early this morning.
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

GaJeep94YJ
Posts: 313
Joined: Fri Dec 18, 2015 12:00 pm

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by GaJeep94YJ »

With the original springs my truck pan is about 1" further away than my bump stops.

Please keep in mind I do not wheel my jeep. I have driven it on a beach which as plenty rough enough to get it to hit but it didn't.

I ended up using novak universal mounts. That's after wasting several weeks on the other mounts and over $75 on shipping. I'm not happy with novak.

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GaJeep94YJ
Posts: 313
Joined: Fri Dec 18, 2015 12:00 pm

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by GaJeep94YJ »

Also with the motor centered I had plenty of space to clear the gas tank with a Dana 300.

I ended up using a blazer tank but that was more for the use of a factory pump than clearance

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Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

The rear Crawler bumper was sourced from BJ's. The attention to detail is good, note the slope on the top of the bumper so you can drop the tailgate down.

ImageIMG_1700 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

ImageIMG_1699 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
Last edited by 1977ChiefLS3 on Sun Jan 14, 2018 1:58 pm, edited 2 times in total.
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

Here's some shots of the finished frame and suspension:

Added Bilstein shocks, poly body mounts, and a stainless brake line kit from BJ's. One catch on the brake line kit is that with the rear disc brake conversion, I'll need to modify the rear lines.

ImageIMG_3305 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

ImageIMG_1705 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

ImageIMG_1701 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

ImageIMG_1694 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

I have not decided on the final color scheme, so the bumpers are just in primer, but I painted their backside with the same Eastwood Extreme Chassis Paint in satin.
Last edited by 1977ChiefLS3 on Sun Jan 14, 2018 2:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

A few items left to complete for the frame and suspension: add the steering box, steering dampener, and the rear center tank. At that point, I'll shift the garage around and focus on the body work. I've got some experience, but its been 30+ years so I'm dragging my feet.

I've got the body mounted on my tool investment for this build. It's an Auto Twirler Elite - I'm too old to crawl underneath scrapping undercoating etc. This one has the the hydraulic jacks which made it possible to split the unit and use them as a lift to remove the body from the frame. You then set the body down, re-assemble the unit, and mount the body on the rotisserie.

FYI, I had to remove my garage down opener to lift this high, but was useful to store parts, etc. underneath.

ImageIMG_1497 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

I've accumulated a completed 360 4V, TH400, QT, tank, skid plate, spare tire carrier - all in good order that will need to be sold, traded, etc.
Last edited by 1977ChiefLS3 on Sun Jan 14, 2018 2:25 pm, edited 1 time in total.
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

duplicate post
Last edited by 1977ChiefLS3 on Sun Jan 14, 2018 2:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

GaJeep94YJ
Posts: 313
Joined: Fri Dec 18, 2015 12:00 pm

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by GaJeep94YJ »

I think the stock paint scheme is absolutely awesome!

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DustinLangston
Posts: 597
Joined: Fri Jun 14, 2013 8:03 pm
Location: Cedar City Utah

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by DustinLangston »

I am LOVING this Cherokee!!! I am very curious to see how the motor fits with those mounts. If you put even 2" of lift you will have no differential clearance issues with the GM LS truck pan. When I had my LS in my stock height Cherokee I was a little uncomfortable with how close the pan was. If the suspension were to bottom out I would have been worried. But with just 2" of lift you are FAR away.
1982 Wagoneer Limited 5.3L Vortec 4L60E swap - finished/restored - sold - bought back - sold again
1979 Wagoneer 360 TH400 1339 QT - built into perfect daily driver - sold
1981 J10 Sportside Honcho - finished/restored - sold
1979 Cherokee Golden Eagle - 5.3L Vortec 6L80E swap - finished/restored - sold
1967 Super Wagoneer - sold, too much work
1978 J10 Golden Eagle - finished/restored - sold
1962 Rambler Classic Cross Country Wagon - current project, wife's daily driver - she'll never let me sell it

Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

Dustin - thanks, I appreciate the feedback and also for sharing your Cherokee build thread as very useful to a first time FSJ owner. I'll let you know what clearance I get once the LS is installed but for now yes with a 4" BDS I'm counting on no issues.



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1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

Need some opinions / advice:

My '77 doors are in great conditions, no dents, no rust anywhere etc. I like the manual windows - reminder of that this thing is a 77 FSJ.

I do want power locks so they can be used with an after-market alarm. I've seen many of you buy later model doors as solution, but have some of you retrofitted either OEM or aftermarket type power locks into older FSJ?

Thanks
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"
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Tatsadasayago
Posts: 3684
Joined: Thu Aug 28, 2014 2:22 pm
Location: Sacramento, CA

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by Tatsadasayago »

While working at the Jeep dealership in Reno a customer came in wanting power locks installed on his Wagoneer. I ended up using the oem GW solenoids, switches, remote and receiver from the parts room.

I did another conversion using XJ baby cherokee solenoids.
I mounted the solenoids to the rear part of the inner door with rivets and did some custom bending to the lock rods in order to make things work.

If I had to do it again, I'd probably buy a complete aftermarket kit with alarm or rob a late model GM Tahoe for the parts.
1977 Cherokee Chief - The Blair Jeep Project III
A collection of parts flying in close formation

nightglide
Posts: 268
Joined: Wed Dec 24, 2014 8:04 pm
Location: Reno, Nevada

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by nightglide »

I put 82 grand power windows and locks in my 77 j10. Easy Pease.
I didn't use any switches for the locks.....just runs off alarm
77 J10 360/T18/Dana20
Fitech fuel injection
4" Lift....3" body lift....35" ats
User avatar

DustinLangston
Posts: 597
Joined: Fri Jun 14, 2013 8:03 pm
Location: Cedar City Utah

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by DustinLangston »

I would highly recommend keeping the manual windows. They are fool proof and you'll have no issues for years to come.
It is simple enough to put on power lock system onto the stock manual locks. The hardest part is making a tab that attaches to the lock rods to actuate them up and down. But easily achievable on a Saturday.
While you're doing the alarm I would HIGHLY recommend installing a remote start. Since you are doing the LS swap it is crazy simple to do and is included in most security systems now as an option.
1982 Wagoneer Limited 5.3L Vortec 4L60E swap - finished/restored - sold - bought back - sold again
1979 Wagoneer 360 TH400 1339 QT - built into perfect daily driver - sold
1981 J10 Sportside Honcho - finished/restored - sold
1979 Cherokee Golden Eagle - 5.3L Vortec 6L80E swap - finished/restored - sold
1967 Super Wagoneer - sold, too much work
1978 J10 Golden Eagle - finished/restored - sold
1962 Rambler Classic Cross Country Wagon - current project, wife's daily driver - she'll never let me sell it

Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

Figured out how to replace the old photos with Flickr. I have added new fuel tank, fuel pump and sensor

ImageIMG_3301 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

The fit is tight, but good

ImageIMG_3302 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

ImageIMG_3303 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

ImageIMG_3300 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

I bought some power seat frames out of an 89 GW, they worked but I went ahead and tore them down for a good clean, paint and lube:

ImageIMG_3624 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr

ImageIMG_3621 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"

Topic author
1977ChiefLS3
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2015 6:40 am

Re: New2Me FSJ 1977 Cherokee Chief

Post by 1977ChiefLS3 »

This is a completed unit ready to be installed

ImageIMG_4049 by Max Bouthillette, on Flickr
1983 CJ7 Renegade "Stella"
1977 Cherokee Chief WT "Moytoy" (current project: engine start next step)
1967 Super Wag (next up)
1969 J3600 "El Presidente"
1983 Wagoneer "Hulu"
1979 and 1980 Wags ... for parts
2014 JKUR "Ruby"
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